In black or white
Special edition models keep best-selling Fiesta at the top of sales charts
Ford’s Fiesta has sold more than four million models in the UK since it first went on sale back in 1976 and it still has much to offer.
The current sixth generation model arrived back in 2008 and set new standards in the supermini sector, increasing the model’s popularity.
It has not changed much since then although it underwent a facelift in 2013 to keep it competitive.
Although an all-new model is not due to arrive until next year the Fiesta still remains the topseller despite a strong challenge from newer arrivals and to keep it in the top spot Ford recently introduced a couple of special editions.
Buyers can opt for a Black or White edition, with contrasting roof and wing mirrors special 15-inch alloy wheels, smart upholstery and several other neat design touches.
The editions are available with a choice of engines and in three or five-door body styles and I recently tried out the White Edition with the excellent 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine under the bonnet and discovered that the Fiesta still has the fun factor.
The peppy little engine is ideal for the Fiesta providing fine performance and decent economy. It is good enough for 100PS in the test car and delivers its power without stress. It sprints to 62mph in 11.2 seconds and can reach 112mph if conditions are right.
With help from stop/ start technology to improve economy the White Edition has a claimed combined figure of 65.7mpg. You won’t get that in the rear world but you should comfortably be able to average over 50mpg.
The Fiesta has always provided an entertaining drive and it is still as good as anything in the class. The steering is light and direct, while the handling is agile and the five-speed box has a nice sporty feel.
This makes it ideal for town work but it is also very good on longer motorway journeys where it delivers a smooth and refined ride at cruising speeds.
In five-door form the Fiesta is relatively spacious and four adults can travel in comfort and five for shorter journeys. Open the tailgate and you have a 290-litre boot which can be increased to 974 litres with the rear seats collapsed.
I found it easy to select a good driving position thanks to good adjustment on the seat and steering wheel and the Fiesta offers good visibility. Sadly parts of the cabin are now quite dated, especially the tiny screen and some scratchy plastics.
That aside the White Edition is really well equipped and includes rear privacy glass, power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, air conditioning, trip computer, ambient lighting, hill start assist, day time running lights, fog lights, a quickclear heated windscreen and all the latest safety aids.
For an extra £400 you can add the Ford Navigation System which also comes with a DAB radio and Ford SYNC.
The Fiesta still feels fresh and thanks to its attractive styling, fun drive and low running costs it will probably still be at the top of the charts until it is replaced sometime next year.